Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket with Napa Cabbage Slaw (Ready in 90 Minutes)
A quick and comforting meal that combines tender corned beef brisket with a fresh napa cabbage slaw. Ready to impress in just 90 minutes!
Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
60 mins
Servings
8
Difficulty
Medium
Nutrition Facts
350
Calories
25g
Protein
15g
Carbs
20g
Fat
Ingredients
- 1 (4-pound) corned beef brisket
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the slaw:
- 6 cups shredded napa cabbage
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Once hot, add olive oil and sear the corned beef brisket on all sides until browned, about 3 minutes per side.
- 2
Remove the brisket from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent, around 2-3 minutes.
- 3
Add chicken broth to the Instant Pot, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in dried thyme and season with salt and pepper.
- 4
Place the seared brisket back into the pot, making sure it's submerged in the liquid. If not, add water or more broth as needed.
- 5
Close the lid and set to high pressure for 60 minutes. Allow natural release of pressure before opening the lid.
- 6
While the brisket is cooking, prepare the napa cabbage slaw. In a large bowl, combine shredded napa cabbage with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and caraway seeds if using. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- 7
Once the brisket is done, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin slices.
- 8
Serve sliced corned beef brisket alongside a generous portion of napa cabbage slaw, garnished with fresh parsley.
So you're looking for something warm and comforting but don't want to spend the whole day in the kitchen? Look no further! This Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket with Napa Cabbage Slaw is not only ready in just 90 minutes, it's also a feast for both your taste buds and your Instagram feed.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Firstly, it’s super quick. The Instant Pot cuts down the cooking time dramatically without compromising on flavor or texture. Plus, the combo of tender corned beef brisket with fresh, crunchy napa cabbage slaw offers a delightful textural contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Secondly, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd but also works well as a simple family dinner. It’s hearty and filling—exactly what you want on a chilly evening.
Finally, the napa cabbage slaw adds a refreshing element to balance out the richness of the corned beef, making it an incredibly satisfying meal that won't leave you feeling overly heavy or sluggish afterward.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking you can skip searing—the browning process is essential for developing flavor. Don’t skimp on this step!
- Using too little broth—make sure the brisket is fully submerged; otherwise, it won't cook evenly and will be tough.
- Not letting the brisket rest before slicing—resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy cut. Patience pays off here!
- Overcooking or undercooking the slaw dressing ingredients—while the slaw is simple, overmixing can make it mushy and overly acidic.
Alternatives & Substitutions
No Instant Pot? You can use a slow cooker or stovetop pot. Adjust cooking times accordingly but the steps remain largely the same.
Want more flavor in your slaw? Add some diced apples, grated carrots, or sliced red onions to the mix for an extra crunch and depth of taste.
Vegetarian option: Substitute with seitan or tempeh slices for a protein-rich alternative that can be prepared similarly without losing out on texture.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely. You can make both the corned beef brisket and napa cabbage slaw ahead of time, store them separately in the fridge, and reheat gently when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley for garnish? No worries! Chopped chives or cilantro will also add a nice pop of color and flavor. Alternatively, you can skip the garnish altogether without affecting the taste.
How do I know if my brisket is done? When fork-tender, it's ready. This usually takes about an hour under high pressure in the Instant Pot, but always check by inserting a fork to see if the meat easily pulls apart.
What’s the best way to serve this dish? Serve hot with plenty of napa cabbage slaw on top for balance and freshness. A side of mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables complements it well too!
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket with Napa Cabbage Slaw is a testament to how simple yet flavorful comfort food can be when done right. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a satisfying meal at home.
Now go ahead and get cooking! You've earned it.